When It Comes To Your Period, There's More Than Just Pads And Tampons

It's about time that sanitary care had an update and we found an alternative to tampons and pads. The monthly reliables that we've all grown used to grabbing at that time of the month are now being pushed aside for new items that place practicality, innovation and sustainability at the forefront. Primarily start-ups run by women, they've listened to what our bodies and lifestyles need.

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Meet the five period products that could change your monthly cycle:

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Dame

Bleed red, think green is Dame's - the world's first reusable tampon applicator - buzz phrase. Created in response to the fact that for every kilometer of UK beach there are nine plastic applicators, Dame stops your choice being between the environment or using an applicator. Formulated from medical grade mediprene and antimicrobial technology, the apparatus is hygienic, economical and totally environmentally friendly. If you switch to Dame, you would be preventing approximately 12,000 pieces of single-use plastic entering oceans. The applicator works with all absorbencies of tampons and thanks to its semi-gloss matt finish it promises to be the comfiest you'll ever use. From £17.

Callaly

Introducing the tampliner. Like most things destined to make life a little simpler, it's a two-in-one hybrid of - yep, you guessed it - a tampon and a liner. Why you ask? Well, as Callaly explains, little innovation has occurred in the realms of period products since the tampon first emerged in the 1930s - and it's time that shifted. As well as being 95 per cent biodegradable, they come with a 100 per cent cotton shed-free surface and are sterilised (not all brands do that). The tampon comes with a soft mini-liner that folds and tucks between labia for added security, without the bulkiness of a separate pad. Their branding is very chic to boot, too. From £4 for 16.

Thinx

Anti-microbial, moisture-wicking, absorbent and leak-resistant - Thinx are the pants that - depending on your flow - could mean you can quit tampons and pads for good. They also look great, too. Possessing the ability to absorb up to two tampons worth of blood thanks to a four-part technology, these can be worn all day and absorb all your flow. And they are reusable, all you need is to rinse them after use, put on a cold wash and then hang dry. Simple. From $24, with shipping available to the UK.

Flex

It's time to be more flexible with your sanitary options. Are you ready to try something new? Enter Flex: a total alternative that can be safely worn for up to 12 hours. Flex is a disposable menstrual disc that goes in a different place to traditional sanitary care by sitting just past the vaginal canal and not plugging like tampons and menstrual cups. Approved by gynecologists, Flex is said to have reduced the cramps of 70 per cent of uses, can allow you to have mess-free period sex and has no links to TSS. From $15.

Freda

As the UK's first organic and eco-friendly period product subscription service, Freda exists to ensure your period is comfortable, prepared for and also comes with a conscious allowing you to play a part in the end of period poverty. Via its website, you can compile a box that is unique to your flow and preferences, or you can let an algorithm do it all for you. The good stuff doesn't end when you receive your personal organic supply, Freda also supports non-profits like Bloody Good Period, KiliPads and A Bloody Good Cause through a give-back pledge that exists at the core of their business. From £6.99.